Does arnica help with pain?
Historically, Arnica has been used to treat inflammation, rheumatism, bruises and sprains. Nowadays, research proves that its anti-inflammatory properties can provide localised healing and targeted pain relief for muscle aches and pains, osteoarthritic pain, and post-surgical pain, and can help relieve other pains including back pain, neck and shoulder pain and knee pain.
Why is Arnica good for pain relief?
As with all medicinal plants Arnica contains a mix of phytochemicals that give it healing properties. Sesquiterpene lactones are one such group of chemical constituents which give Arnica anti-inflammatory action and thus, its pain-relieving properties.
The sesquiterpene lactones act within the cell, intervening at the core of the inflammatory process by halting production of an inflammatory substance known as Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta (NF-kβ). NF-kβ is activated right at the start of the inflammatory cascade, so by stopping it in its tracks Arnica substantially reduces the amount of inflammation the user experiences.
This makes Arnica really effective for treating any type of pain caused by inflammation.
Types of pain which Arnica can help relieve
Due to its pain-relieving properties, arnica is effective at providing quick and effective pain relief, including:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Joint pain & Osteoarthritis
- Back pain
- Neck & Shoulder pain & stiffness
- Knee, Hip and Ankle Pain
- Sprains and Strains
Remembering that topical Arnica is anti-inflammatory, there are an even wider range of uses that you may not immediately think of. Headaches and migraines often respond well to it being applied to the temples. Period pain can sometimes be countered by an application on the belly. Insect bites can be far less traumatic if you apply arnica gel rapidly – both the pain and the subsequent swelling are likely to be reduced.
Arnica and pain: the research behind its effective use
So, let's take a look at what the research shows:
1. Arnica for muscle pain
Muscle pain is triggered by inflammation in the muscle so it makes sense that muscle pain would be treatable with an anti-inflammatory herb like Arnica. A randomised, placebo-controlled trial proves this is true. A group of male runners had topical Arnica applied every 4 waking hours for the duration of the study.
Performance measures, pain assessments, and blood analysis were assessed at a variety of intervals throughout the study. Participants in the topical Arnica group reported less pain 72 hours post-exercise than the placebo group. (1)
2. Arnica for osteoarthritis and joint pain
The most common type of joint pain is osteoarthritis. This is where the cushioning between joints begins to wear away causing inflammation, pain and stiffness.
A clinical trial using Arnica gel on people suffering with osteoarthritis of the knee showed huge improvements over the trial period. After 3 and 6 weeks, significant decreases in pain, stiffness and function were observed in the participants. Sixty-nine patients (87%) rated the tolerability of the gel as "good" or "fairly good," and 76% would use it again. (2)
Another trial indicated that Arnica gel was as effective as ibuprofen gel in treating osteoarthritis of the hands. (3)
Joint pain can also be a result of uric acid build up that instigates an inflammatory reaction too. While there are no clinical trials investigating this, it makes sense that Arnica would be supportive here as well.
3.) Arnica for post-surgery pain
A review of the effectiveness and safety of Arnica in a post-surgical setting, to treat pain and inflammation, showed that Arnica was more effective than placebo when used for treatment of post-traumatic and postoperative pain, swelling, and bruising, suggesting it is a useful alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. (4)
How to use Arnica
You have likely come across many varieties of Arnica in shops and pharmacies and it can be a little confusing to choose which one is right for you.
It's important to understand that there are two types of Arnica preparations. Herbal preparations that are made from the Arnica plant just like other herbal remedies, and preparations made using homeopathic Arnica.
- Homeopathic Arnica contains a highly dilute form of Arnica. Preparations made in this way have only a very small amount of Arnica left in the final product. Homeopathic Arnica can be taken internally for this reason. Homeopathic Arnica can also be used in gels, creams and oils.
- Herbal Arnica gels, ointments, oils and creams are made directly from the Arnica plant, and not diluted. These contain much higher doses of Arnica and its active plant chemicals. This is why it's important to use these preparations on unbroken skin only.
For targeted pain relief
Apply arnica gel, ointments or creams directly to painful areas, such as your neck, back, knee or specific muscles, for targeted pain relief. Do not apply if your skin surface is broken, cut or irritated.
Topical gels, creams and oils work really well for pain relief because they directly treat the area of application, alongside adding comfort and the healing benefits that come with touch. Gels are particularly light and dry in easily to the skin. Using Arnica in this format allows it to penetrate and start working as quickly as possible.
Safety
Due to the toxicity of the sesquiterpene lactones it contains, Arnica should not be taken internally, with the exception of homeopathic Arnica.
Arnica belongs to the daisy family of plants, which a minority of people are allergic to. For some people, topical (on the skin) applications of Arnica may cause an allergy in the form of a painful, itchy rash.
